YOGA & MEDITATION

One of the most ancient treasures of Indian culture, tradition, and heritage is the science of Yog. Yog is mentioned in the Upanishads—the later part of the Vedas—that form the philosophical foundation of Yogic science. This Divine science of Yog has been practiced in India for thousands of years.
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The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yog’ which in turn, means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. Hence yoga is a union with God to live a contended, peaceful and balanced life. Passed down several generations by yogis, rishis and seers, it acts as a way to offer liberation and expansion of human consciousness.
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Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual discipline that involves a combination of processes to attain a holistic sense of well-being. The central aim remains to achieve a heightened sense of peace and wholesome happiness about oneself and things around.
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The word “Yog” means “to unite” and is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to join.” So, the aim of Yog is to yoke the jiva (individual soul) with Bhagavan (Supreme Soul). Union with the Absolute frees the soul from the veil of Maya, allowing it to realize its true nature. The Garuḍ Purāṇa defines Yog as follows:
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Yog has no age barrier. Whether one is on the threshold of life, or in the spring of youthfulness, or has become old—anybody can practice it as there are no restrictive factors. Irrespective of cultural and religious background, Yog practice possesses the capacity of tuning the body and mind to the laws of nature and the infinite Divinity, and forges an integrated personality of the practitioner. Yog is a rational discipline with powerful tools for conquering the stormy mind and harnessing the physical and mental energies. It greatly helps an aspirant rapidly move toward Divinity. The greatness of Yog is also discussed by Lord Shree Krishna in the Bhagavad Geeta:* * *
Physiological Benefits: Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced workload of the heart.
Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate - two chemicals associated with stress.
Reduction of free radicals- unstable oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage. Improved blood pressure.
Higher skin resistance. Low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress and anxiety levels.
Drop in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease.
Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing whilst slowing down the aging process.

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With all of this in mind. why do we still so often breathe shallowly…aimlessly…without conscious thought. I’m probably writing this more for myself as I struggle at times when things don’t run smoothly and admit to sweating the small stuff. If I’m carrying a heavy load of commitments on my shoulders, I try and use my yogic breath, my gurus teachings and turn to faith in the divine universal principals of karma trusting it will carry me through the waves of life.
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Our yoga uses body and breath to access your innermost essence, by decompressing your spine so your innermost current of energy flows unimpeded from tail to top. Our classes are well known for their precision, our teachers for their compassion and our practice for its immediate bliss and profound healing power. Our yoga is a sophisticated system, with highly trained teachers and a focus on consciousness.
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‘Like a finely tuned woodwind instrument, our bodies need oxygen in order to sing and play. The sweeter the quality of breath, the sweeter the quality of the harmony in our lives’.. Whether you practice yoga as a physical exercise or embrace it as an all-encompassing life philosophy, the breath is the heart of everything. The beginning, the middle. The end. And whatever comes after that.’ Our advice….Breathe, Bend, Blossom!